Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 72 of 438 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 66 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 58 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Tires. Review the 54 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
53 crash reports15 fire reports22 injury reports
What owners actually said
438 reports
Mileage unknown · Aug 19, 2001
Steering
THE POWER STEERING PUMP METAL HOSES ARE EXTREMELY RUSTED. METAL IS FLAKING OFF THE HOSE. DEALER SUGGESTED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO HEAT. ALL METAL HOSES ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE ENGINE ARE EXPERIENCING EXTREME RUST. SPOKE TO AN OWNER OF AN EXPLORER, SIMILAR VINTAGE, AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE SIMILAR HOSES AND BRAKE LINES…
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THE POWER STEERING PUMP METAL HOSES ARE EXTREMELY RUSTED. METAL IS FLAKING OFF THE HOSE. DEALER SUGGESTED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO HEAT. ALL METAL HOSES ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE ENGINE ARE EXPERIENCING EXTREME RUST. SPOKE TO AN OWNER OF AN EXPLORER, SIMILAR VINTAGE, AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE SIMILAR HOSES AND BRAKE LINES. THIS IN MY OPINION CAN BE A SAFETY ISSUE ESPECIALLY IF THE HOSE BECOMES PERFORATED AND STEERING IS LOST. I NEVER HAD A VEHICLE WITH METAL HOSES SO BADLY CORRODED.
NHTSA ODI #750747
Mileage unknown · Jul 26, 2001
Exterior Lighting
THIS PROBLEM IS ON EVERY FORD RANGER I'VE SEEN OVER FIVE YEARS OLD. NO SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #749237
Mileage unknown · Jun 21, 2001
Vehicle Speed Control
CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO DISENGAGE ON TOLL ROAD-NEARLY CRASHED INTO TOLL BOTH WHICH WAS FILLED WITH OTHER CARS. WAS FORCED TO PANIC BRAKE. SYSTEM RELEASE AT ABOUT 30 MPH. -PROBLEM REPEATED AGAIN ON 06,21,01 AT LOWER SPEED. I WAS FORCED TO GO THROUGH A STPO LIGHT. COULD NOT STOP. I HAVE REPORTED THIS DEFECT TO FORD AND TOLD THAT …
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CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO DISENGAGE ON TOLL ROAD-NEARLY CRASHED INTO TOLL BOTH WHICH WAS FILLED WITH OTHER CARS. WAS FORCED TO PANIC BRAKE. SYSTEM RELEASE AT ABOUT 30 MPH. -PROBLEM REPEATED AGAIN ON 06,21,01 AT LOWER SPEED. I WAS FORCED TO GO THROUGH A STPO LIGHT. COULD NOT STOP. I HAVE REPORTED THIS DEFECT TO FORD AND TOLD THAT NO RECALLS EXIST. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM. MY LIFE WAS PUT AT RISK, ON TWO OCCASIONS.*AK
NHTSA ODI #747209
Mileage unknown · May 28, 2001
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
WATER DRIPS THROUGH DRAIN HOLE IN BED ONTO LEFT REAR BRAKE LINE. LINE RUSTED THROUGH AND ALL BRAKES WERE LOST. MECHANIC STATES THIS IS COMMON WITH FORD RANGERS. I HAVE THE FAILED PART.*AK
NHTSA ODI #746022
Mileage unknown · May 23, 2001
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
ENGINE SIMPLY QUIT AND IT WILL RESTART LATER. I'VE REPLACED TIMING BELT, IGNITION SYSTEM, FUEL FILTER, FUEL PUMP, DISTRIBUTOR STROBE AND IT CONTINUES TO STALL IN TRAFFIC, WHEN HOT OR COLD
NHTSA ODI #745759
Mileage unknown · May 22, 2001
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #745727
Mileage unknown · Apr 20, 2001
Power Train
ACCORDING TO THE MECHANIC A DEFECTIVE PLUG IN TRANSMISSION CAUSED FLUID TO LEAK OUT, THUS FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION OCCURRED. I WAS STRANDED ON THE INTERSTATE AT 3:30AM, FORTUNATELY NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED AS THE TRUCKS TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP GOING 65MPH. FORD DECLINES ANY PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION PLUG. HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC …
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ACCORDING TO THE MECHANIC A DEFECTIVE PLUG IN TRANSMISSION CAUSED FLUID TO LEAK OUT, THUS FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION OCCURRED. I WAS STRANDED ON THE INTERSTATE AT 3:30AM, FORTUNATELY NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED AS THE TRUCKS TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP GOING 65MPH. FORD DECLINES ANY PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION PLUG. HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC MENTIONED THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRING ON OTHER RANGERS HE HAS FIXED. I FOUND (ONLINE) OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT RANGER TRANSMISSIONS. DUE TO THE FAULTY PLUGS, A GRADUAL LEAK OCCURS, UNOTICABLE TO THE AVERAGE PERSON. THIS COULD BECOME A HAZARDOUS SITUATION FOR THOSE TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE OR HIGHWAYS, ESPECIALLY IF THE VEHICLES ENGINE DIES, BECAUSE THE STEERING LOCKS UP WHEN THE ENGINE QUITS. I WOULD SIMPLY LIKE FOR ALL RANGER OWNERS TO BE AWARE OF THIS SITUATION. I REALIZE THAT FORD WILL DO LITTLE OR NOTHING ABOUT THIS SITUATION, BUT SOME GOOD OLD FASHION CUSTOMER SATISFACTION WOULD BE NICE.
NHTSA ODI #744291
Mileage unknown · Apr 11, 2001
Exterior Lighting
THIS IS ONE OF 12 FORD RANGERS THAT HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM... I WILL ONLY LIST ONE ON THE COMPLAINT UNTIL I HEAR BACK FROM SOMEBODY. THIS IS A MAJOR AND SERIOUS PROBLEM AND BEFORE SOMEBODY IS KILLED SHOULD BE ADDRESSED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.. I HAVE TRIED TO DEAL WITH FORD DIRECTLY, BUT THEY HAVE IGNORED MY CONCERNS.*AK
NHTSA ODI #743874
Mileage unknown · Mar 29, 2001
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED EXACT SYMPTONS AS STATED IN RECALL 96V024001/ STUDS BEGAN CRACKING TO POWER BRAKE VACCUM BOOSTER ASSEMBLY. MANUFACTURER HAS ADVISED CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT A PART OF RECALL DUE TO VIN.*AK
NHTSA ODI #884628
Mileage unknown · Mar 15, 2001
Tires
TIRES FELT UNSTABLE AND SOMETIMES ABNORMAL SOUNDING FOR SEVERAL MONTHS AT 60MPH ON HIGHWAY. NO PROBLEMS FOUND DURING VEHICLE ALIGNMENT AND TIRE BALANCING. NORMAL USE AND PROPER INFLATION SINCE PURCHASE OF TIRES IN SEPTEMBER OF 1997.*AK (TIRESIZE: P265/75R15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P265/75R15 )
THE STUDS WHICH ATTACH THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER TO THE POWER BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER ASSEMBLY CAN DEVELOP STRESS CORROSION CRACKING AFTER BEING OPERATED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LOCATION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF A CRACK OCCURS, IT COULD RESULT IN ONE OR BOTH STUDS FRACTURING. THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD THEN SEPARATE FROM THE VACUUM BOOSTER, WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, PREVENTING THE SERVICE BRAKES FROM ACTIVATING INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER ASSEMBLY.
DURING EXTREME COLD, NORTHERN CLIMATE WINTER CONDITIONS, ICE CAN FORM IN THE THROTTLE BODY OF THE ENGINE CAUSING THE THROTTLE PLATE TO REMAIN IN THE HIGHWAY CRUISING POSITION AFTER THE ACCELERATOR IS RELEASED OR THE SPEED CONTROL IS DEACTIVATED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCES CAN BE INCREASED POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR INTAKE DUCT AND VALVE ASSEMBLY WITH REVISED UNITS.
THE PARKING BRAKE CONTROL SELF-ADJUST PAWL DOES NOT LINE UP PROPERLY WITH THE SELF-ADJUST RACHET CAUSING THE PAWL TO SLIP OVER ONE OR MORE TEETH IN THE RACHET.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: WHEN THE ABOVE OCCURS, IT CAN RESULT IN PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM INEFFECTIVENESS. THE PARKING BRAKE WILL NOT HOLD THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL FREELY, IF THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT LEFT IN GEAR.
Remedy: A WEDGE WILL BE INSTALLED WHICH WILL SERVE TO LOCK THE PARKING BRAKE SELF-ADJUST MECHANISM PAWL INTO ENGAGEMENT WITH THE RACHET. ALSO, OWNERS WILL BE ADVISED TO RELEASE AND REAPPLY THE PARKING BRAKE WHENEVER TOOTH SKIP OCCURS AND WILL BE REMINDED TO ALWAYS TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND LEAVE THE VEHICLE IN GEAR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.
THE FRONT FUEL LINES HAVE A SECTION OF FLEXIBLE HOSE THAT IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO CRACKING WHICH CAN ALLOW FUEL LEAKAGE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: LEAKING FUEL CAN RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE FRONT FUEL LINE ASSEMBLY.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1
EA95018 · Separation Of Master Cylinder
Opened Jun 19, 1995 · Closed Apr 2, 1996
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
FORD CONTINUES TO SUDY THE PROBLEM ATTEMPTING TO DETERMINE WHY STUD FRACTURES ARE NOT FREQUENTLY OCCURRING IN OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY.LIKEWISE, ODI CONTINUES GATHERING INFORMATION TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER THE RECALL SCOPE SHOULD INCLUDE OTHER GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS.IF EVIDENCE INDICATES THE SCOPE SHOULD BE EXPANDED, ODI WILL REOPEN THE INVESTIGATION AS WARRANTED.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
FORD CONTINUES TO SUDY THE PROBLEM ATTEMPTING TO DETERMINE WHY STUD FRACTURES ARE NOT FREQUENTLY OCCURRING IN OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY.LIKEWISE, ODI CONTINUES GATHERING INFORMATION TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER THE RECALL SCOPE SHOULD INCLUDE OTHER GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS.IF EVIDENCE INDICATES THE SCOPE SHOULD BE EXPANDED, ODI WILL REOPEN THE INVESTIGATION AS WARRANTED.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
FORD CONTINUES TO SUDY THE PROBLEM ATTEMPTING TO DETERMINE WHY STUD FRACTURES ARE NOT FREQUENTLY OCCURRING IN OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY.LIKEWISE, ODI CONTINUES GATHERING INFORMATION TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER THE RECALL SCOPE SHOULD INCLUDE OTHER GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS.IF EVIDENCE INDICATES THE SCOPE SHOULD BE EXPANDED, ODI WILL REOPEN THE INVESTIGATION AS WARRANTED.
1994 Ford Ranger Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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